Community

Weekly Memo – Friday, April 28, 2017

Join us for an evening of insights on child development6 at our Wine & Cheese Parents’ Evening with AMI Montessori teacher trainer, Greg MacDonald tomorrow night at 6:45 PM at Anchor Point! This is a great opportunity for parents to learn about Montessori’s “Four Planes of Development” and how you can aid your child to reach his/her full potential in each plane (birth to 6 years, 6 to 12 years, 12 to 18 years, and 18 to 24 years). His presentation will also highlight the development of literacy. Mr. MacDonald welcomes questions from parents about their own children’s needs as well as experiences and requests that this event be reserved for parents only to allow for candid answers.

Many thanks to everyone who made donations to Covenant House this week. The items will go a long way towards helping the vulnerable youth in our community.

Thank you once again, to Amber McElroy (mom to Taya) and her partner (Burinder) for coming to speak about policing to our North Creek children – this time with Ms. Janice’s class. It has been an honour to have you talk to the children about the important work you do.

Wishing you a wonderful weekend,
The Staff at Lions Gate Montessori

GENERAL NOTICES

Upcoming Dates to Remember
April 29 | Wine & Cheese: Parents’ Evening with Greg McDonald, 6:45 PM, Anchor Point facility,
May 5 | PD Day: NO SCHOOL
April 5, 12, 19, May 3, 10, 17 | Swimming Lessons
May 12 | Mother’s Day Celebration and Quilt Raffle
April 20 – May 12 | NC Montessori Practicum Student
May 15 | LE Yaletown Pet Hospital Visit
May 18 & 19 | Parent/Child Workshops
May 25 & 26 | LE Mini Police Academy
May 31, June 7, 14, 21 | Tennis Lessons
June 1 | LE Nature Detectives at Stanley Park

Summer Program Registration: The Summer Program is divided into two three-week sessions. Students will continue to work in the Montessori environment with enriched activities in Arts and Crafts; Music and Drama; and Science and Nature. They will also participate in excursions to places and events that are related to the above themes. We intend to have both a preschool and an elementary program for 2 sessions as follows*:
Session 1 │ July 10th to July 28th
Session 2 │ July 31st to August 18th

Hot Lunch: We are now able to accept credit card payments for Hot Lunch orders as well as payments through your personal paypal accounts! Please log-in as usual follow the prompts at checkout. Online payment will be required. Please email us with any questions! Kindly note, the order deadline for June is Thursday, May 25th, 3 PM.

ELEMENTARY & ADOLESCENT COMMUNITY
Dress for the Weather Reminder: Kindly bring your child to school dressed for both, indoor and outdoor activities every day. Clothes and shoes should be washable, practical, and comfortable. We expect parents to provide children with appropriate clothing for safe and active indoor and outdoor activities during all seasons. As Spring is here and so is the rain; please make sure your child/ren has waterproof rain boots, waterproof jacket with a hood, possibly waterproof rain pants (always a good option to have, depending on the child), hat (for the sunny days) as well as a complete set of extra change of clothes (properly labeled and sealed in a large Ziploc bag) and indoor shoes.

April 5, 12, 19, May 3, 10, 17 | Swimming Lessons: Elementary students will participate in Swimming Lessons on Wednesdays starting on April 5th (except April 26th) at 1:30 – 3:30 PM at the Vancouver Aquatic Centre. Please don’t forget to pack a bathing suit, towel, hairbrush, swimming cap, change of clothes, snacks, and water.
NOTE: On Swimming Wednesdays, all the children will be dismissed at the Aquatic Centre between 3:50 and 4:00 (unless your child is picked up earlier or staying for After School Club). We will leave the Aquatic Centre at 4:00 and will be back in school around 4:15. Children who are picked up after 4:00 will be dismissed at Anchor Point.

May 12 | Mother’s Day Celebration and Quilt Raffle: Mothers are incredibly special and they deserve to be celebrated, especially on Mother’s Day. Please save the morning of May 12th, Friday as we celebrate our dear moms, grandmothers, aunts, caregivers and everyone who have undertaken the incredible role of a Mom. Please join us in our annual Mother’s Day Celebration from 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM at the Scotiabank Dance Centre. The students have a special Talent Show and breakfast treats that they can’t wait to share with the ‘Moms’ in their lives. Finger foods and refreshments will be served following the performance up until dismissal. We look forward to seeing you all there!

May 15 | Yaletown Pet Hospital Visit: The LE students will be going out to Yaletown Pet Hospital on Monday, May 15th at 9:30 – 11:30 AM. We will leave the school promptly at 9:15 AM. Yaletown Pet Hospital is a full-service veterinary clinic and is currently the only veterinary clinic south of Granville Street serving the downtown core of Vancouver. This going-out is free.

May 18 | Parent/Child Workshop: Students will hold their Parent/Child Workshops on Thursday, May 18th. This is an opportunity for your child to show you some of the work they have been doing at school. While regular dismissal at 4 PM is in effect, each family is invited to return at their assigned time slot for the event. Each session is 20 minutes. As it is otherwise a regular school day, please pick up your child as usual and return for your scheduled time slot. Please do not hesitate to let us know if you are unable to attend the Parent-Child Workshop and would like to reschedule.

May 25 & 26 | Mini Police Academy: The LE students will be going out to the Vancouver Police Museum for a Mini Police Academy activity on Thursday and Friday, May 25th & May 26th at 10:00 – 11:30 AM. They will be divided into 2 groups: Grade 1’s will go on Thursday while Grades 2-3’s will go on Friday. This program combines a museum discovery scavenger hunt, show and tell to introduce youngsters to policing, dress-up time in police uniforms, and art activities. Please return your child’s permission slips to the school.

May 31, June 7, 14, 21 | Tennis Lessons: Elementary students will participate in Tennis Lessons on Wednesdays starting on May 31st at 1:00 – 3:00 PM at David Lam Park, East Tennis Courts. Please return your child’s permission slip to the school.

June 1 | Nature Detectives at Stanley Park: The LE students are going out to Stanley Park for a Nature Detectives program on Thursday, June 1st at 10 AM – 11:30 AM. Discover the hidden secrets and stories of the forest in this sensory journey through nature. Awaken your senses as you explore the temperate rainforest. Find tiny life forms with magnifiers, meet bugs, feed trees, and transform into a bat while learning how all of these forest elements are connected. There is a small fee of $12 per child to participate in the activity. Permission slip is attached.
Lulu Island and Outdoor Excursions: Grades 4 to 7 students will begin visiting Lulu Island starting Monday, April 10th (weather permitting). Please ensure your child(ren) come to school that day with his/her compass card. In addition, they will also be enjoying outdoor excursions every Friday (weather permitting).

HEALTHY SNACK REMINDER: The school provides organic fruits and vegetables for our active and engaged students. If you send your child to school with their own personal snack, please ensure it consists of wholesome and refrain from sending sugary or highly processed foods.

CASA COMMUNITY (PRE-SCHOOL & EXTENDED-DAY)
Montessori Practicum Student: Jackie Booth, a student from the Montessori Training Centre of BC has been appointed to come in the AM classroom under the supervision of Ms. Julia for 3 days of observation and 3 weeks of Practicum, from April 20th to May 12th. Her bio is displayed by the door.
Mother’s Day Celebration – Friday, May 12th:
AM Preschool Mother’s Day Tea will be served at 11:15am
PM Preschool Mother’s Day Tea will be served at 3:00pm

Extended-day/Kindergarten Mother’s Day Performance/Tea will be held in Faris Family Studio at Scotiabank Dance Centre, from 9:00-11:00am (program details will follow)

Urban Safari Rescue Society visits North Creek! : There is a small fee of $7 per child (Preschool & Extended-day) to participate in the activity to bring USRS to the classroom. Information is on the attached permission form. Please return the completed form with payment to North Creek by Wednesday, May 17th. USRS will be coming on Friday, June 2nd to both morning & afternoon classrooms with animals to present to our students.

Extended-day and Kindergarten Outings: “Going-Outs” play a significant role in the education of extended-day children as they are beginning to enter their next stage of development. Please see the attached permission form for details and return it to school by Wednesday, May 7th.

Parent/Child Workshop – Friday evening, May 19th: Parent/Child Workshop is an after school event. Please return to school with your child to share this special moment with him/her. Your child will show you some of the work he or she has been doing at school in a more personal setting. Each session is 20 minutes. A schedule with assigned time slots is posted by the North Creek doors. Please let the teacher(s) know if you wish to switch to a different time to fit your schedule. You are welcome to reschedule if necessary.

Bringing a proper jacket to school: Although Spring has arrived and some days seem to be warmer than others, please make sure your child(ren) has a proper jacket when they come to school.

ANAPHYLAXIS ALERT! We have been notified that a child in our Casa community has a life-threatening allergy (anaphylaxis) reaction to dairy. The school is following the VCH guidelines, the family is working with the school, and all AM and PM Preschool and Extended Day are learning about it. Starting in January 2017, teachers and students will be asked to wash their hands vigilantly and regularly, both at North Creek and in the Extended Day classroom at Anchor Point. Please refrain from bringing dairy to the school environment as you introduce your child to anaphylaxis awareness. If dairy is not avoidable, please inform the teachers of the items at the door. It will help us coordinate the classroom to protect all the children. For more information, please visit www.foodallergycanada.ca.

Label Your Children’s Shoes: Please remember to label all your children’s clothing, water bottles and food containers. Thank you.

COMMUNITY NOTICES Not sure what do to on the weekends? Check these out!
Kerrisdale Village Carnival Days | Friday, April 28, 2017 – Saturday, April 29, 2017: Free events for the entire family, music, clowns, face painting, rides and amazing sidewalk sales.
2017 Ocean Concrete Open House | Saturday, April 29, 2017: Come down to Ocean’s open house event for plant tours, live music, wildlife presentations by Earth Rangers, a giant sandbox and more.

ArtStarts presents Cut, Paste, Action! Family Arts Workshop with Kate Henderson | Saturday, April 29, 2017: In this lens-based workshop, families will be introduced to art works that investigate human form, movement and gesture. The first half of the workshop will focus on the work of pioneering photographer Eadweard Muybridge and his studies of motion in the human body. The second half of the workshop will focus on Dada artist and her use of found images of faces, eyes and hands. Families will experiment capturing their own bodies in motion and will be cutting and pasting these images along with found photographs from magazines and newspapers into their very own layered collages. This event is part of Vancouver’s Capture Photography Festival. ArtStarts on Saturdays is a monthly series for families, featuring free, fun, 45-minute creative arts workshops with some of the best children’s artists. Sessions at 11am & 1pm. Free!

Foundational Language: Meaningful Communication from Birth | Saturday, May 13, 2017: Guided by AMI Assistants to Infancy Director of Training, Maria Teresa Vidales, please join her in the beautiful model of the specially prepared Home and Infant Toddler Centre environments to explore the critical importance of the quality and quantity of language that surrounds the newborn and infant. Please bring your own lunch to this wonderful charity event as we give back to our community!
Location: AMI Assistants to Infancy Campus, 1410 Nanton Avenue, Vancouver
Date: May 13, 2017
Time: 10 am to 3pm
Cost: register by donation through eventbrite, or donation at the door.
All proceeds to benefit the Neonatal Care Unit at BC Children’s Hospital, or the MTCBC Student Scholarship Fund. RSVP: angela@mtcbc-ami.org

Weekly Memo – Friday, April 14, 2017

Happy Easter!

We had a successful Bake Sale for our Nepali foster child, TenZin, at Anchor Point and North Creek. Warm thanks to all the families who contributed delicious baked treats to sell and for everyone who bought and supported our cause. We raised $706.63 for TenZin!

We look forward to seeing parents for class observations next week: Kindly note that an observation chair will be provided so that you can view all the activities comfortably. Please limit your interaction with the students. The children may approach you and introduce themselves. You are most welcome to tell them your name using a quiet voice, but please do avoid engaging in lengthy conversations. At the close of your visit, please stand up and exit the room quietly. We also ask that you refrain from discussing your child’s progress and/or general questions with our staff. They will be most happy to arrange a conference time with you to discuss any concerns. We appreciate observers who minimize their impact on the classroom as this allows the class to run smoothly in its usual manner, thereby giving observers a clear and accurate understanding of our school program. ENJOY YOUR VISIT!

For the members of our community who are celebrating Easter this weekend, may you feel the hope of new beginnings, love, and happiness during this joyful Easter.

Wishing you a wonderful long weekend,
The Staff at Lions Gate Montessori

Summer Program Registration: The Summer Program is divided into two three-week sessions. Students will continue to work in the Montessori environment with enriched activities in Arts and Crafts; Music and Drama; and Science and Nature. They will also participate in excursions to places and events that are related to the above themes. We intend to have both a preschool and an elementary program for 2 sessions as follows*:
Session 1 │ July 10th to July 28th
Session 2 │ July 31st to August 18th
*Sessions may be canceled if the minimum enrollment numbers are not met for any given session.

Hot Lunch: We are now able to accept credit card payments for Hot Lunch orders as well as payments through your personal PayPal accounts! Please log-in as usual follow the prompts at checkout.
For hot lunch orders for April and beyond, online payment will be required. Pleaseemail us with any questions! Kindly note our order deadlines below:
May Order Deadline: Wednesday, April 26th, 3pm
June Order Deadline: Thursday, May 25th, 3pm

ELEMENTARY & ADOLESCENT COMMUNITY

Dress for the Weather Reminder: Kindly bring your child to school dressed for both, indoor and outdoor activities every day. Clothes and shoes should be washable, practical, and comfortable. We expect parents to provide children with appropriate clothing for safe and active indoor and outdoor activities during all seasons. As Spring is here, so is the rain; please make sure your child/ren has waterproof rain boots, waterproof jacket with a hood, possibly waterproof rain pants (always a good option to have, depending on the child), hat (for the sunny days) as well as a complete set of extra change of clothes (properly labeled and sealed in a large Ziploc bag) and indoor shoes.

Daily Physical Activity Requirement: The Ministry of Education BC requires Kindergarten to Grade 7 students accumulate at least 30 minutes of physical activity per day. It is our expectation that children will go outside daily, rain or shine. The school is responsible for physical activity tracking and monitoring to support the health and development of children, as well as assisting in establishing a positive foundation now and the future. Students can request to be exempt from DPA requirements only for the following reasons:
Physical disability
Medical conditions
Personal circumstances
We request that parents send us a written note stating the reason for keeping your child indoors. If you feel your child is too ill to go outside, then the child is likely too sick to be in school. We request that you keep your child at home until he/she is well enough to go outside.

Swimming Lessons | April 5, 12, 19, May 3, 10, 17: Elementary students will participate in Swimming Lessons on Wednesdays starting on April 5th (except April 26th) at 1:30 – 3:30 PM at the Vancouver Aquatic Centre. Please don’t forget to pack a bathing suit, towel, hairbrush, swimming cap, change of clothes, snacks and water.
NOTE: On Swimming Wednesdays, all the children will be dismissed at the Aquatic Centre between 3:50 and 4:00 (unless your child is picked up earlier or staying for After School Club). We will leave the Aquatic Centre at 4:00 and will be back in school around 4:15. Children who are picked up after 4:00 will be

Mock Trial Program | April 18 at 10:15 AM: Grades 3-7 students will be attending a Mock Trial Program at the Justice Education Society. The students can learn the most about our basic justice system by experiencing it themselves in a simulated trial, call a “mock” trial. A mock trial is a definitive, dramatic, experiential learning opportunity. It develops advocacy skills and critical thinking in addition to providing knowledge about the law. Mock trials are good for all ages as they demonstrate how a trial works. Many thanks to Steve Yung (dad to Marie-Claire) and the Law Firm of Simpson Thomas and Associates for all the help and financial support for this going-out. Please return your child’s permission slip to the school.

Library Visit|April 18, following Mock Trial Program: Grades 3-7 students will be dropping off their library book at the Central Public Library following the Mock Trial program. We expect to the back at school for lunch by 12:30 PM, so please feel free to pack your child some snack for this outing. Please also send any library books that are coming due to school with your child.

Parent Observation Week | April 18 – 21: Parents are invited to come observe their child/ren at work in the classroom environment. Sign-up sheets have been posted by the Anchor Point and North Creek doors. Each family’s observation session is 20 minutes. We look forward to your classroom visit!

Museum of Anthropology | April 26: Grades 2-7 students will visit the Museum of Anthropology at UBC on Wednesday at 9:45 AM – 12:15 PM. The students will be archaeologists for a day! Discover the rich 9,000-year history of the First Nations people in southwestern BC by learning their way of life, tools, and technologies. This behind-the-scenes program includes an introduction to authentic tools and materials used including the use of cedar bark for rope making. Students have a chance to make a rope bracelet from raffia using these techniques. Warm thanks to the PSG for generously funding this activity for our children. Please return your child’s permission slip to the school.

Covenant House Visit | April 28: Covenant House Vancouver provides food, shelter, clothing and counseling to an estimated 1,400 street youth living in Vancouver at any given time – young people for whom there is often no one else. A representative from Covenant House will visit Anchor Point to talk to the Lower Elementary and Upper Elementary students about social issues that the most vulnerable youth in our community are facing.

Wine & Cheese: Parents’ Evening with Greg McDonald | April 29: RESCHEDULED! Please note the change of date from May 1st to April 29th. Join us for an evening of insights on child development with Greg MacDonald, Director of Elementary Training at the Montessori Institute of San Diego . He will be delving into the four planes of development and how adults can aid children reach their fullest potential in each plane. His presentation will also highlight the development of literacy. This is an event for all members Lions Gate community, including parents of children enrolled at North Creek. The event will be at 6:45 PM to 9:45 PM. Wine and cheese to follow.
Kindly note: Mr. MacDonald welcomes questions from parents about their own children’s needs as well as experiences and requests that this event be reserved for parents only to allow for candid answers.

Mother’s Day Celebration and Quilt Auction | May 12: Mothers are incredibly special and they deserve to be celebrated, especially on Mother’s Day. Please save the morning of May 12th, Friday as we celebrate our dear moms, grandmothers, aunts, caregivers and everyone who have undertaken the incredible role of a Mom. Please join us in our annual Mother’s Day Celebration at the Scotiabank Dance Centre. The students have a special Talent Show that they can’t wait to share with the ‘Moms’ in their lives.
There will also be a Silent Auction for two handmade quilts that the children from North Creek and Anchor Point have patiently worked on for the past weeks! Finger foods and refreshments will be served following the performance up until dismissal. We look forward to seeing you all there!

May 18 | Parent/Child Workshop: This is an after school event with your child. This is a wonderful way for you to see and hear for yourself, your child’s perspective on his/her work at school. Students are given the freedom to self-edit and self-assess the work they choose to present. They look forward to receiving feedback directly from parents, facilitated by their teachers. Each session is 20 minutes.

Tennis Lessons |May 31, June 7, 14, 21: Elementary students will participate in Tennis Lessons on Wednesdays starting on May 31st at 1:00 – 3:00 PM at David Lam Park, East Tennis Courts. Please return your child’s permission slip to the school.

Lulu Island and Stanley Park Visits: Grades 4 to 7 students will begin visiting Lulu Island starting Monday, April 10th (weather permitting). Please ensure your child(ren) come to school that day with his/her compass card. In addition, they will also be enjoying excursions to Stanley Park every Friday (weather permitting).

HEALTHY SNACK REMINDER: The school provides organic fruits and vegetables for our cctive and engaged students. If you wish to send your child to school with his/her own personal snack please ensure it consists of wholesome foods and refrain from sending sugary or highly processed foods. Thank You!

CASA COMMUNITY (PRE-SCHOOL & EXTENDED-DAY)

Parent Observation: Sign-up sheets are posted by the doors! Please ask a teacher at the door if you have any questions. During your observation, please note your questions and discoveries. We will be most happy to schedule a follow-up appointment either by email, telephone, or in person to discuss your queries with us!

Montessori Practicum Student: Jackie Booth, a student from the Montessori Training Centre of BC has been assigned to come in the AM classroom under the supervision of Ms. Julia for 3 days of observation and 3 weeks of Practicum, from April 20th to May 12th. Her bio will be displayed by the door.

April 29| 6:45-9:45pm Wine & Cheese: Parents’ Evening with Greg McDonald: All Casa parents are invited! Event starts at 6:30pm. Please come for an evening of insights on child development with Greg MacDonald, Director of Elementary Training at the Montessori Institute of San Diego. He will be delving into the four planes of development (infancy, childhood, adolescence, and transition to adulthood) and how adults can aid children reach their fullest potential in each plane. Please RSVP to office@lionsgatemontessori.org
Kindly note: Mr. MacDonald welcomes questions from parents about their own children’s needs as well as experiences and requests that this event be reserved for parents only to allow for candid answers.

Mother’s Day Celebration – Friday, May 12th:
AM Preschool Mother’s Day Tea will be served at 11:15am
PM Preschool Mother’s Day Tea will be served at 3:00pm
Extended-day/Kindergarten Mother’s Day Performance/Tea will be held in Faris Family Studio at Scotiabank Dance Centre, from 9:00-11:00am (program details will follow)
Parent/Child Workshop – Friday evening, May 19th: Parent/Child Workshop is an after school event with your child. You will receive an invitation with an assigned time for your child to show you some of the work he or she has been doing at school. Each session is 20 minutes.

Spring Attire Reminder: Although Spring has arrived and some days seem to be warmer than others, please make sure your child(ren) has a proper jacket when they come to school.

Label Your Children’s Shoes: Please remember to label all your children’s clothing, water bottles and food containers. Thank you!